ONE of the oldest private hospitals in the state, Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) celebrated its 100th anniversary today with a grand event at G Hotel Gurney in George Town.
The celebration was attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who congratulated the private hospital on reaching this significant milestone.
In his speech, Chow said he was proud to acknowledge PAH as one of the state’s most transformative institutions, an establishment that has helped shape Penang into the medical excellence hub it is today.
“Your recent achievement of being named as one of the Best Specialised Hospitals in the Asia Pacific 2024 for Orthopaedics by Newsweek, is a testament to your world-class standards.
“This international accolade, alongside your consistent track record of excellence, has played a role in establishing Penang as a premier destination for medical tourism in the region,” he said.
Chow also mentioned that in the last 10 years or so, Penang has emerged as a leading hub for medical tourism in Southeast Asia, renowned for its world-class healthcare facilities, skilled medical professionals, and competitive pricing.
He said the state also offers a unique blend of high-quality medical care and the allure of a vibrant tourist destination, attracting patients from across the globe, particularly from neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Singapore, and China.
“I am proud to say the numbers are growing exponentially. Over the years, this has triggered a ripple effect for both incoming foreign direct investments (FDIs) and domestic direct investments (DDIs) for the MedTech sector in Penang.
“As a result, we have seen a rapid growth of a new industrial cluster, and I am pleased to see that hospitals such as PAH taking advantage of this,” he said.
According to Chow, PAH through its Adventist College of Nursing and Health Sciences also have created valuable opportunities for the youth in the state, contributing to Penang’s talent pool and ensuring the state’s healthcare sector remains competitive.
“Your role in workforce development has been instrumental in maintaining Penang’s position as a leading healthcare destination in Malaysia.
“As we look to the future, I believe your continued investment in Penang through infrastructure development and service expansion strengthens our growing and ever-needing healthcare capabilities.
“To the entire Penang Adventist Hospital family, doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and support personnel, you represent the best of what Penang offers namely professional excellence combined with genuine care for our community.
“Congratulations once again on your centennial anniversary. May your next hundred years bring even greater achievements in service of our community,” Chow concluded.
PAH group president Ronald Koh said the hospital’s journey of healing began in December 1924 when Dr J. Earl Gardner opened a small clinic at Muntri Street.
“The purpose was to provide for the health needs of the community as evidenced by the sign outside the clinic that read ‘Poor Treated Free’. From the very beginning, Dr Gardner was kept busy, seeing over 600 patients in 19 days.
“With the support of philanthropists and the community, the humble clinic grew into what exists today – Penang Adventist Hospital.
“Our mission remains the same today with a different slogan ‘God Heals, We Help’. We continue to play a part in the community through selfless service, reaching out to the poor and needy alike has been a continuous mission – a driving force of the hospital,” he said.
Meanwhile, PAH chief executive officer Albin Phua said this milestone is not just a testament to the passage of time; it is a celebration of the enduring spirit of compassion and dedication that has defined the PAH journey over the past century.
“Amidst the ebb and flow of history, one thing has remained constant which is our unwavering commitment to serving the diverse needs of our community. Through every challenge and triumph, we have stood firm in our mission to provide high-quality healthcare with empathy and integrity.
“As we reflect on the past and look toward the future, let us do so with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. Together, let us continue to write the story of compassion, innovation, and resilience that has defined our hospital for the past century,” said Phua.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat